Affordable apartments for 70 low income families and individuals will be preserved, thanks to $3.9 million in funding from the governments of Canada and B.C. for renovations that will extend the life of the Sundergreen development in Kamloops.

"Our government is pleased to be a partner in the renovation project for Sundergreen," said Cathy McLeod, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour and for Western Economic Diversification on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development. "This is yet another commitment to providing affordable housing which in turn helps to build a stronger community and improve housing conditions in Kamloops."

"The renovations to Sundergreen will extend the life of the buildings and keep these affordable homes available in Kamloops for years to come," said Terry Lake, Minister of Health and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. "From rental assistance, to new units, to renovations on existing properties, the B.C. Government invests in a wide range of social housing options to help low and middle income people in our community."

The governments of Canada and B.C. provided a combined investment of $3.9 million through the Federal-Provincial Housing initiative, under the Canada-BC Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement.

Built in 1970, the BC Housing-managed Sundergreen development consists of two 35-unit apartment buildings, at 230 Clapperton Rd. and 335 Mulberry Ave. The development will benefit from renovations that include renewal of the building envelope components, new windows and sliding doors, repairs to balconies and updates to the security system and plumbing fixtures.

The Federal Provincial Housing initiative is a component of the $180 million Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2011-2014 Agreement between the governments of Canada and British Columbia, which was announced in July 2011. With matching contributions of $90 million from both levels of government, this total combined investment helps to support affordable housing programs for B.C. residents.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In British Columbia, this represents an estimated 68,050 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing.

These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 146,769 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1 800 668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Since 2001, the government of B.C. has invested $3.6 billion to provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, seniors and families. This year, more than 98,000 B.C. households will benefit from provincial social housing programs and services. To find out more, visit: www.bchousing.org

A backgrounder follows.

Media inquiries:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064 

Andrew McGrath
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
819 953-2350
andrew.mcgrath@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Sundergreen

Sundergreen provides a total of 70 affordable housing apartments for low income families and individuals in need in Kamloops. The 2.2 acre property consists of two, three-storey buildings containing 23 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units each.

It is expected that tenants will not be required to move out of their apartment during the renovations. If it does become necessary for a tenant to move out of their unit while work is underway, they will be accommodated in a vacant unit in the building until they can return to their own apartment.

Scope of renovations to the development will include:

• Flat roof replacement
• Replacement of windows and sliding doors
• Targeted repairs to exterior wall assemblies
• Repairs to balconies
• Targeted repairs to interior floors
• Targeted repairs to suite counter tops and cabinetry
• Security system upgrades
• Domestic re-pipe and plumbing fixture replacement
• Hot water tank replacement

Partners and Funding:

• The Governments of Canada and B.C. will provide a combined investment of $3.9 million through the Federal-Provincial Housing initiative, under the Canada-BC Investment in Affordable Housing.

Media inquiries:

Fergus McCann
BC Housing
778 452-6445

Andrea Scott
CMHC Communications
BC Region
604 737-4064 

Andrew McGrath
A/Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Social Development)
819 953-2350
andrew.mcgrath@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca